Savory Low Carb Meatballs Delight
These Savory Low Carb Meatballs are the perfect blend of juicy flavors, making them a versatile addition to your low carb diet. Whether served with low carb whole grain pasta, tucked into a low carb wrap with a rich marinara sauce, or drizzled with tangy BBQ sauce, these meatballs promise a satisfying and healthy meal option. Packed with protein and made using a blend of meats, they're easy to prepare and complete with herbs and spices that enhance their flavor. Enjoy them as a hearty snack or as part of a balanced meal, without the carb overload.
N/A
Servings
130
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground meat
1 lb (ground (beef, pork, veal, turkey, or a mixture))
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
crushed plain pork rind
1/2 cup (none)
sugar-free tomato sauce or marinara sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or oil and set it aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra lean ground meat of your choice, the lightly beaten egg, crushed pork rinds, and your preferred sauce (either sugar-free tomato or marinara).
4
Add the dried onion flakes, garlic powder, oregano, basil, fennel seed (if using), salt, and pepper to the mixture, and blend everything thoroughly until well combined.
5
Using a 1/3 cup ice cream scoop, evenly portion the mixture and place it into the greased muffin tin holes.
6
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
7
Once baked, remove the muffin pan from the oven and allow the meatballs to cool for about 5-10 minutes to firm up.
8
Carefully remove the meatballs from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess fat before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.8
Fat
1.8
Carbs
11.8
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Low Carb Meatballs Delight?
They are a high-protein, low-carbohydrate meatball recipe that uses crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs to maintain a low-carb profile.
What kind of meat should I use for these meatballs?
You can use any extra lean ground meat, including beef, pork, veal, turkey, or a combination of these for the best flavor.
Are these meatballs suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, with only 1.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving, they are an excellent choice for anyone on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1.8 grams of carbohydrates.
What is used as a binder instead of breadcrumbs?
This recipe uses crushed plain pork rinds and a lightly beaten egg as the binding agents to keep the meatballs together without the carbs.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius for optimal cooking.
Can I bake these on a regular cookie sheet?
While a muffin pan is recommended to help hold their shape and portion them evenly, you can use a parchment-lined baking sheet if necessary.
How long do these meatballs need to bake?
Bake the meatballs for approximately 45 minutes or until they are thoroughly cooked and browned.
Why is a muffin pan used for meatballs?
A muffin pan helps in portioning the meat evenly and ensures that each meatball maintains a consistent round shape during baking.
Can I use ground turkey for this recipe?
Yes, extra lean ground turkey is a great option for these meatballs and will result in a delicious, protein-packed meal.
How can I make the meatballs spicy?
To add heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the meat mixture before baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, since this recipe uses pork rinds rather than traditional breadcrumbs, it is naturally gluten-free.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to fill a standard 12-cup muffin pan, creating 12 evenly-sized meatballs.
What are the calories per serving?
There are approximately 130 calories per serving of these savory meatballs.
How much protein is in these meatballs?
Each serving provides about 11.8 grams of protein.
Can I freeze Savory Low Carb Meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze very well; store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
How should I store leftover meatballs?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What type of sauce goes best with these?
They pair well with sugar-free marinara, tangy BBQ sauce, or even a low-carb mushroom gravy.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal safe temperature.
What is the purpose of the sugar-free tomato sauce in the mixture?
The sauce adds moisture and a hint of acidity to the meat mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile without adding sugar.
Are the fennel seeds necessary?
Fennel seeds are optional but recommended if you want an authentic Italian sausage flavor profile.
What are some low-carb side dish suggestions?
Serve these over zucchini noodles, with a side of steamed broccoli, or inside a low-carb wrap with greens.
Do I need to grease the muffin pan?
Yes, greasing the pan with cooking spray or oil is essential to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
How do I remove excess grease from the meatballs?
After baking, place the meatballs on a paper towel for a few minutes to absorb any extra fat released during cooking.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, but you should generally use three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried to achieve the same flavor intensity.
What size scoop should I use for portioning?
A 1/3 cup ice cream scoop is the perfect size for filling the muffin tin holes evenly.
How long should they cool before serving?
Allow the meatballs to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing them from the oven so they can firm up properly.
Can I replace pork rinds with almond flour?
Yes, almond flour is a common low-carb substitute for pork rinds, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
What seasonings are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes onion flakes, garlic powder, oregano, basil, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely; you can easily double the ingredients and use two muffin pans for larger meal prep sessions.